Moving overseas when pregnant

charlie+7 · November 2014

Hi, We were planning to move overseas before I became pregnant and my partner has a job lined up starting Feb. Has anyone done this? Any tips? I'm petrified of being in a new country with no family or friends and a new health care system. Even my doctor has expressed concerns to ensure my new health care will be adequate.

Mei&Mei · November 2014

Double post, sorry!

Mei&Mei · November 2014

I mean, it really depends on where you are going. Check to see if that city has a local moms group/website with resources like information on hospitals, insurance, baby gear, food safety, etc. it could be a really enriching experience for your family.

Having said that, I'm an American about to have my second baby in Shanghai, and it's mostly been a great thing. Yes, there are little cultural quirks, but nothing that can't be worked through.

charlie+7 · November 2014

We'll be moving to Houston Texas. This is my first pregnancy. I've lived in the UK and Australia but the health care system in the US concerns me a little. Probably because I know so little about it!

charlie+7 · November 2014

I didn't realise there were local boards. I'll have a look. Yes, he'll have insurance through work so I'm hoping that will cover me also as I won't be able to work. I'm hoping the insurance is comprehensive enough. In Australia for example your private insurance may not cover obstetrics, but medicare their government scheme would cover it instead. Same in the UK, NHS covers it all.

groovysuvi · November 2014

I am currently an American expat in Denmark. I'm moving back to the US in January. I understand the uncertainty.

In the US, under the new American Care Act, all prenatal care is covered in health insurance plans started after 2012. Your husband's work plan will cover you if he enrolls you in it. That means it will cost a little bit more, but it's not going to be that big of a deal. I just signed up my husband and I on a new health plan since I've been covered under Danish national insurance for the past 2 years.

For me, the biggest concern is shipping our stuff, flying 11 hrs while 13/14 weeks pregnant, and closing all of our accounts in a country where I still don't understand the language. At least there's no language barrier for you!

charlie+7 · November 2014

Yes, that's true. I'm also concerned about shipping our stuff, should we bother. Renting our current home and then finally flying me and the cat over. I'll be 19 weeks by then and from memory the flight was 16 hours, 6 hour stop over and then 3 hours. So not a great flight. Good luck with your move.

groovysuvi · November 2014

charlie+7 said:

I'm also concerned about shipping our stuff, should we bother.

When we moved here, we brought 5 checked bags with thick crocheted blankets, pillows, towels, clothes, 1 cooking pot (that we love and use almost every day), and a few other things. We bought most of our other kitchen items and furniture at thrift stores. Denmark is really expensive for just about everything. We would have had to pay ~3x the price of things in the US to outfit our apartment. For moving back, we're going to ship a few boxes to my parent's house for them to hold for us.

Moving from Australia to the US shouldn't be as bad. Prices are very reasonable in the US to buy all the things you will need. I would suggest bringing what you would miss. Even though they're heavy, I'm so happy I brought my crocheted blankets. They're so cozy on cold winter nights here and made missing home much easier to take.

charlie+7 · November 2014

It's funny you say that because I didn't ship my blankets and pillows originally from the uk to Australia but missed them so much I did later. They definitely make you feel cosy and at home.

mkrupar · November 2014

Houston happens to have some of the biggest and best medical centers in the country. As long as your H gets you on his medical plan you should be good to go.

As far as the flights, drink lots of water. Try to get up and walk the aisle every hour or so to keep the blood flowing. Are you coming from Australia or the UK? I was thinking 16 hours and six stops seems outrageous coming from the UK, but more reasonable from Australia.

charlie+7 · November 2014

I'm coming from Australia. So there's always a ridiculous flight involved. I'll have to speak to the airline about food. Due to a nut allergy I usually eat very little. But I can't seem me be able to do that this time. Hopefully I can take some healthy snacks onboard

charlie+7 · November 2014

I'm glad houston has some of the best and biggest medical centres because at the moment I'm attending one of the biggest and best centres here in Australia so a little gutted I'll be moving.

mkrupar · November 2014

You can typically bring on whatever snacks and drinks you want. I just know here in the US you have to wait to buy drinks until your through security. No outside liquids over 3oz. can be brought through.

kellmoria · November 2014

Like a previous poster said, Houston has a very large and good medical community. It's also home to Texas Children's Hospital (hope you never need it!!) Good luck with your move!

hankhunter · November 2014

Hi girl, feel free to private message me if you need any help navigating Houston. I've lived here for years and would b happy to recommend places to live and visit.

muffyvonmuff · November 2014

charlie+7 said:

We'll be moving to Houston Texas. This is my first pregnancy. I've lived in the UK and Australia but the health care system in the US concerns me a little. Probably because I know so little about it!

Well you are coming from some great healthcare. While you will get amazing care in the US it could cost you, we aren't known for cheap healthcare. Make sure you stay in network.

jjbmstinco · November 2014

I am traveling overseas at 9/10 weeks for a trip. My dr said to walk on the plane every 3 hours. She also suggested wearing compression hose as a safety measure for blood clots. She said to make sure that you drink lots of water.

Welcome to the US!

muffyvonmuff · November 2014

charlie+7 said:

I didn't realise there were local boards. I'll have a look. Yes, he'll have insurance through work so I'm hoping that will cover me also as I won't be able to work. I'm hoping the insurance is comprehensive enough. In Australia for example your private insurance may not cover obstetrics, but medicare their government scheme would cover it instead. Same in the UK, NHS covers it all.

And perhaps its better you won't be working. We have basically the worst maternity leave amongst developed nations, its pathetic.

charlie+7 · November 2014

Australia isn't great on mat leave either. I'd be better off in the UK.

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